The older adult who is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a sensory impairment and unstable blood sugar levels. Which of the following alterations in sensory function does the nurse address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar?
Awakens with periodic left-foot numbness
Enjoys spicy food more than bland food
Has difficulty hearing conversations in crowded rooms
Requires reading glasses at 2.0 strength
None of the above
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Awakens with periodic left-foot numbness is an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it may indicate peripheral neuropathy, which is a common complication of diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve damage that affects the feet and legs, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. Peripheral neuropathy can increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations. The nurse should educate the older adult about the importance of regular foot care, blood sugar control, and medication adherence.
Choice B reason: Enjoys spicy food more than bland food is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a personal preference that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should advise the older adult to limit the intake of salt, fat, and sugar, and to follow a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their needs and preferences.
Choice C reason: Has difficulty hearing conversations in crowded rooms is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a common age-related change that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should assess the older adult's hearing ability and provide appropriate aids and strategies to enhance their communication and socialization.
Choice D reason: Requires reading glasses at 2.0 strength is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a common age-related change that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should assess the older adult's vision and provide appropriate aids and strategies to improve their safety and quality of life.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: ASA (aspirin) is not the best choice, as it can cause bleeding, ulcers, and allergic reactions in some older adults. ASA is also metabolized by the liver, which may be affected by chronic kidney disease.
Choice B reason: Meperidine (Demerol) is not the best choice, as it is a narcotic analgesic that can cause respiratory depression, sedation, and dependence in older adults. Meperidine is also excreted by the kidneys, which may be impaired by chronic kidney disease.
Choice C reason: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is not the best choice, as it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause kidney damage, fluid retention, and hypertension in older adults. Ibuprofen is also contraindicated in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Choice D reason: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the best choice, as it is a mild analgesic that can relieve pain without causing significant side effects in older adults. Acetaminophen is also safe to use in patients with chronic kidney disease, as long as the dose is adjusted according to the liver function.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the best choice for treating mild back pain in an older adult who has chronic kidney disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because baroreceptor function diminishes with age, and this can affect the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. Baroreceptors are sensory receptors that detect changes in blood pressure and send signals to the brain to adjust the heart rate and blood vessel tone accordingly. When a person exercises, the blood pressure and heart rate increase to meet the increased oxygen demand of the muscles. When a person stops exercising, the blood pressure and heart rate should decrease gradually to return to the resting state. However, if a person does not cool down properly after exercising, the blood pressure and heart rate can drop suddenly, causing dizziness, fainting, or cardiac arrhythmias. This is especially true for older adults, whose baroreceptors are less sensitive and responsive to blood pressure changes. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the older man to cool down after exercising to prevent these complications.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because sensory perception diminishes with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Sensory perception is the ability to perceive stimuli from the environment, such as sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste. Sensory perception can decline with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the sensory organs, nerve damage, or diseases. This can affect the quality of life, communication, and safety of older adults, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because cardiac output diminishes with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, and it depends on the heart rate and the stroke volume. Cardiac output can decline with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the heart muscle, valves, or arteries, or diseases. This can affect the ability of the heart to meet the oxygen demand of the body, especially during exercise, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because mobility capacity decreases with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Mobility capacity is the ability to move and perform physical activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects. Mobility capacity can decrease with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the muscles, bones, or joints, or diseases. This can affect the functional status, independence, and well-being of older adults, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
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